WorldStrides Faith-Based Catalog (2023)

Expertly designed religious and faith-based travel experiences

There are few travel explorations more rewarding than tracing the roots of one’s faith or religion back to their original source. Whether you wish to visit the great religious centers of the world or walk in the footsteps of saints, prophets, or inspirational leaders, WorldStrides offers an impressive portfolio of religious-study and faith-based travel experiences for congregations and schools across the U.S.—and in over 100 worldwide destinations—to suit your specific spiritual, cultural, or educational goals.

For more than 55 years, we’ve been creating customized pilgrimages and spiritual heritage tours for all denominations and groups with as few as 10 participants—be it a religious pilgrimage to Europe, a comparative religions tour of Asia, or a service-learning trip to Latin America. What makes our faith-based tours unparalleled is the network of contacts we’ve established around the globe, which allows our church and school groups to participate in private services at world-renowned places of worship or meet with local congregations or schools abroad to learn about their joys and challenges.

Inside this brochure, explore a world of learning

p. 1 More than 55 years of trusted travel

p. 2 How we support your spiritual journey

p. 4 Experience the heart of the action

p. 4 LEAP activities & national accreditation

p. 6 Get personalized support from our dedicated team

More than 55 years of trusted travel

p. 8 Tour inclusions

p. 10 Religious tours

p. 21 Service-learning tours

p. 24

The global partner for your lifetime learning journey

p. 25 How we raise the bar

You can find even more itineraries and trip ideas at: https://worldstrides.com/religious-pilgrimages-study-tours/

We’re international travel specialists with years of experience in keeping programs on track, no matter what the world hands out! As seasoned troubleshooters, we’ve got the staff and partnerships to pivot and make any necessary program adjustments in real time, so you can feel confident and covered, every moment of your trip—that’s true peace of mind.

Unsurpassed stability and relationships

We can bring you consistency and safety because we’ve worked for decades with the same reliable partners— airlines, hotel networks, and security resources, both domestically and overseas.

Unmatched safety services and coverage

WorldStrides’ 24/7/365 on-tour support puts live help just a phone call away. Additionally, our Doctors on Call medical support service is administered through our exclusive partnership with The George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine.

Our dedicated in-house Health and Safety team relies on a rich network of international partners and exhibits a do-what-it-takes commitment in any circumstance. When COVID-19 shut down travel across the world, we had our travelers’ backs—and we’ll continue to do so as we navigate the future of travel together.

Industry-leading innovation when it’s needed most At WorldStrides, we’ve been tackling “unprecedented” for years. We’re constantly evolving to meet health requirements, and we’re committed to getting it right. Learn more about the current protocols, developed by our Back to Travel Task Force, so you can travel with confidence at worldstrides.com/travel-with-confidence

How we support your spiritual journey

Our faith-based travel programs offer a unique opportunity for groups to connect with the first sources of their religious faith or denomination. These programs also provide an opportunity for those of any faith to explore a variety of belief systems around the world. Our service-learning trips create reciprocating relationships in global communities—travelers can plant gardens, teach English, build schools, and more with non-profit organizations while gaining skills and learning from another culture.

All programs are immersive by nature and can include custom options such as rich study content or structured time with religious experts. We can also create a fully customized itinerary, allowing your church or school group to lead the planning process and build the most transformative experience possible for your participants.

Community connections

We believe that faith-based travel provides religious and educational communities a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge and expand the spiritual bonds with their peers. Our community connections across the globe provide experiences that connect us with all faiths today, so you can discover the people and places that have shaped your religion through the ages or learn about different cultures and spiritual beliefs.

Service-learning

The opportunity to involve oneself in some form of service during a tour can be a life-changing experience. We have strong partnerships with many organizations who welcome the opportunity for a group to participate in their work. We can include one day or several days of commitment, depending on the goals you set for your tour, or you can make service-learning the focus of your entire trip.

Time for reflection

No matter what element of your faith you would like to focus on, we can help enhance both personal development and spiritual understanding by including time for daily reflection in your itinerary.

Fostering fellowship abroad

Sharing one’s faith and experiences with others of the same denomination but who live in a different culture provides a unique insight into the issues and challenges facing your religion today.

We have relationships with schools and congregations around the world and can include meetings, discussion, and worship with your denomination wherever you choose to visit. Claim what you hold in common, and take strength from your journey together. This will broaden your appreciation for your religious tradition and extend community bonds well past the geography of your local church.

Private services and collective worship

While on tour, we can arrange for your group to hold a private service at a particular site of importance or significance to your denomination. This provides a memorable and moving experience, whether in Lama Temple, the Mount of Olives, or other prominent locations.

Choral participation

Participating as a choir is a unique expression of fellowship and worship. If you have choir members on tour, or if your choir forms the bulk of your group, we can arrange for them to participate in a service, providing both a musically rich and spiritually rewarding experience.

It has been my privilege to work with WorldStrides in the planning of three pilgrimages. The initial proposal of a walking pilgrimage was out of the ordinary for WorldStrides— however, with the guidance of our Program Consultant, they quickly understood what we wanted to accomplish and rose to every occasion with passion, organization, and respect for our journeys. I highly recommend WorldStrides for any of your group travel needs.

—DORIS C., PROGRAM LEADER

Experience the heart of the action

Our committed, expert team is invested in every single trip, and it shows in the cultural quality your group will experience: where you stay, what you eat, how you get around, and, most important, how you interact with the locals. This is what transforms an ordinary faith-based travel program into the spiritual experience of a lifetime, and this is what we do best at WorldStrides.

Central hotels

All our hotels are centrally located and three- to four-star rated, so you can wake up in the bustle of the city and save commuting time to everything you want to explore.

Local cuisine

Our tours provide breakfast and three-course dinners daily, all from carefully selected local restaurants. Many tours also feature hands-on cooking classes, like making tapas in Spain, creating traditional Japanese dishes in Tokyo, or enjoying a Tuscan farm lunch.

Expedited transport

We want to maximize the time you spend in each city or town instead of idling on a coach, waiting to get there! We put you on the fastest trains and in the most comfortable coaches, plus we include metro tickets.

Learning by Exploring and activeLy participating (Leap)

WorldStrides’ trademarked learning tool puts the learn-by-doing philosophy into action on every program. In practice, LEAP activities comprise a hands-on experience and are followed by a personal reflection prompt, reenforcing the theme of the activity and helping participants to remember what they’ve learned. LEAP activities can include live history debates, dramatic skits, dance classes, and much more.

national accreditation

As the only educational travel company to be accredited by some of the top educational organizations in the country, we’re able to offer academic credit to our travelers—just like a school.

Numerous members of our church were wanting to visit Israel. I contacted WorldStrides as was suggested by someone in our church. We were never disappointed in our choice. Fifteen of us went, including my oldest grandson who had always wanted to go there. That trip was wonderful in every way, and this year we are returning with 30 plus folks from church. We would not consider anyone but WorldStrides to guide us through the land of Israel.

PASTOR JIM L., PROGRAM LEADER

Get personalized support from our dedicated team

HeLping you gEt startEd

• Your Program Consultant will coach you on how to sign participants up, making your informational meeting a breeze!

• Your Account Manager handles everything from operational logistics and your website to online bill paying and fundraising/financial assistance— so you can focus on getting your group together.

prEparing for your trip

• Our Operations team vets the best hotels and restaurants while continuing to gather feedback, so your group can avoid any problems.

• Our Curriculum and Academics team creates hands-on activities for every trip and oversees our free academic credit programs. They select and train our amazing Tour Directors, too!

lEading you on tour

• Your seasoned Tour Director leads our hands-on LEAP activities while sharing off-the-beaten path adventures and bringing the history and culture of your destination to life.

• We provide you with 24/7 on-tour support and on-call assistance.

EVEry toUr incLudeS:

• Round-trip airfare and other transportation described in the itinerary

• Traveler assistance, medical insurance, and travel insurance

• Three high school or college prep credits upon completion of online course (for students in grades 6-12)

• Centrally located three- and four-star hotels

• Plentiful daily breakfast to start the day energized and ready to go

• Appetizing, culturally representative, three-course dinner daily

• Full-time, multilingual WorldStrides Tour Director, who is trained in experiential education

• Local guide at sites and on city tours as described in the itinerary

• Trademarked, immersive activities that encourage learning by doing: LEAP (Learning through Exploration and Active Participation)

• Entrances and transportation to sites and activities described in your itinerary

• Tips for local guides and bus drivers

• 24/7 on-tour emergency support

• Daily reflection and discussion of perspectives

Where our groups love to follow their faith

FLIP AHEAD TO LEARN ABOUT OUR RELIGIOUS STUDY AND SERVICE-LEARNING TOURS

Germany: Trail of the Reformation

9 DAYS • 7 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

Day 2

Guten tag Frankfurt

• Meet your Tour Director and travel to Heidelberg

• Daily reflection and group discussion

Day 3

Heidelberg landmarks

• Heidelberg Tour Director-led sightseeing

• Heidelberg Castle visit, University, Marktplatz

• Worms excursion

• Worms Cathedral visit, Luther Monument

Day 4

Heidelberg—Nuremberg

• Travel to Nuremberg via Rothenburg

• Rothenburg Tour Director-led sightseeing

• Marktplatz, Rathaus

• St. Jakob’s Church visit

• Franciscan Church visit

Day 5

Nuremberg landmarks

• Nuremberg guided sightseeing tour

• Alstadt, Justice Palace, Bergstrasse, Handwerkerhof, Dürer Monument, St. Sebald Church, Hauptmarkt, Marktplatz, Albrecht Dürer’s House, Schöner Brunnen

• Nuremberg Castle visit

• Kaiserburg Museum visit

• St. Lawrence Church visit

Day 6

Nuremberg—Erfurt

• Travel to Erfurt via Coburg and Eisenach

• Coburg Fortress visit

• Lutherhaus visit

• Wartburg Castle visit

• Erfurt city walk

Day 7

Erfurt

• Lutherstadt Wittenberg guided excursion

• Schloss Wittenberg, Rathaus, Cranachhaus, Melanchthonhaus, St. Mary’s Church, Schlosskirche visit, Lutherhaus visit

Day 8

Erfurt—Frankfurt

• Augustinian Monastery visit

• St. Mary’s Cathedral visit

• Merchants’ Bridge visit

• Travel to Frankfurt

• Frankfurt city walk

• Altstadt, Hauptwache, Romerberg, Romer, Paulskirche

• Kaiserdom visit

Day 9

End tour

Italy: Pilgrimage to the Land of Saints and Miracles

10 DAYS • 8 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

Day 2

Ciao Rome

• Meet your Tour Director and check into hotel

• Rome city walk

• Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona

Day 3

Rome

• Rome guided sightseeing tour

• Colosseum visit with Whisper headset, Arch of Constantine, Forum Romanum visit

• Trajan Market visit

• Mamertine Prison

• Pantheon visit

• Dinner in Piazza Navona

Day 4

Rome—Siena

• Rome guided walking sightseeing tour with Whisper headsets

• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel visit, Raphael Rooms, St. Peter’s Basilica visit

• Travel to Siena

• Siena city walk

Day 5

Siena

• Siena guided sightseeing tour

• Duomo visit, visit Piccolomini library, Church of St Catherine visit

Day 6 Florence

• Florence guided excursion

• Duomo visit, Piazza della Signoria, Piazzale Michelangelo

Day 7

Siena—Assisi

• Travel to Assisi

• Assisi full-day excursion

• St. Francis’ Basilica guided visit, Basilica of St. Clare visit, Portiuncula visit, wine tasting at Tili Vini Societa Agricola

Day 8

Assisi—Rome

• Travel to Rome

• Appian Way visit (via Appia)

• Church of Domine Quo Vadis visit

• Catacombs visit

• San Pietro in Vincoli visit

Day 9

Rome

• Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano visit

• Church of Saint Alphonsus Liguori visit

• Santa Maria Maggiore visit

• Borghese Museum visit

Day 10 End tour

Scotland: the Roots of Presbyterianism

10 DAYS • 8 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

Day 2

Hello Edinburgh

• Meet your Tour Director and check into hotel

• Edinburgh city walk

• Charlotte Square, Alexander Graham Bell’s home, Robert Louis Stevenson’s home, Robert Burns Monument

Day 3

Edinburgh

• Hike Arthur’s Seat

• Edinburgh Castle visit

• John Knox House visit

Day 4

Edinburgh—Aberdeen

• National Museum of Scotland visit

• Travel to Aberdeen via St. Andrews

• Free time in St. Andrews

Day 5

Aberdeen

• Dunnottar Castle visit

• Aberdeen city walk

• St. Machar Cathedral visit, Old City, fish market, Duthie Park

Day 6

Aberdeen—Inverness

• Travel to Inverness via Elgin and Cawdor

• Elgin Cathedral visit

• Cawdor Castle visit

• Culloden Battlefield visit

• Inverness city walk

Day 7

Inverness—Oban

• Loch Ness Monster Exhibition visit

• Travel to Oban via Fort William

• Free time in Fort William

Day 8

Oban

• Isles of Mull and Iona visit

• Iona Abbey visit

Day 9

Oban—Glasgow

• Travel to Glasgow via Trossachs and Stirling Castle

• Bannockburn Battlefield visit

• Stirling Castle visit

Day 10 End tour

Spain: The Way of St. James

12 DAYS • 10 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

Day 2

Hola Ferrol

• Meet your Tour Director

• Travel to the Ferrol area via private coach

Day 3

Ferrol—Pontedeume

• Begin pilgrimage walk from Ferrol to Neda

• Meet coach in Neda and transfer to Pontedeume area

Day 4

Pontedeume

• Continue pilgrimage walk to Pontedeume

Day 5

Pontedeume—Betanzos

• Continue pilgrimage walk from Pontedeume to Mino

• Meet coach in Mino and transfer to Betanzos area

Day 6

Betanzos

• Return to Mino by coach, then continue pilgrimage walk to Betanzos

Day 7

Betanzos

• Continue pilgrimage walk from Betanzos to Hospital de Bruma

• Meet coach in Hospital de Bruma and return to Betanzos area

Day 8

Betanzos—Sigüeiro

• Return to Hospital de Bruma by coach, then continue pilgrimage walk to Sigüeiro

Day 9

Sigüeiro—Santiago de Compostela

• Continue along final stretch of pilgrimage walk from Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela

Day 10

Santiago de Compostela

• Cape Finisterre excursion

• Santiago de Compostela guided sightseeing tour

• Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, Hostal de Los Reyes, Santiago de Compostela Cathedral visit, Praza do Obradoiro, Museo do Pobo Galego

Day 11

Santiago de Compostela—

Madrid

• Travel to Madrid

• Madrid city walk

• Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de España

Day 12

End tour

Israel: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

10 DAYS • 8 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

Day 2

Shalom Tel Aviv

• Meet your Tour Director

• Travel to Netanya and check into hotel

Day 3

Netanya—Tiberias

• Travel to Tiberias via the Mediterranean Coast

• Caesarea excursion: Pontius Pilate Stella, Roman Theatre visit, Caesarea Aqueduct visit, Hippodrome

• Mount Carmel ascent

• Armageddon Battlefield visit

• Head to the hotel in a kibbutz near Tiberius, which will be your base for the next two nights

Day 4

Tiberias

• Caesarea Philippi visit

• St. Peter’s Lunch

• Fisherman Boat visit

• Sail on the Sea of Galilee

• Seaside Village excavations visit

• St. Peter’s house visit

• Magdala Archeological Park visit

Day 5

Tiberias—Dead Sea

• Jordan River baptism opportunity

• Scythopolis visit

• Travel to the Dead Sea via Jordan Valley

• Free time at the Dead Sea

Day 6

Dead Sea—Jerusalem

• Travel to Jerusalem

• Cable car ride to top of Mount Masada

• Ein Gedi visit

• Qumran Caves visit

• Genesis Land visit

• Dinner in Abraham’s Tent

Day 7

Jerusalem

• Temple Mount visit

• Western Wall and Tunnel visit

• Southern Wall excavations visit

• Bethlehem excursion

• Basilica of the Nativity visit

Day 8

Jerusalem

• Mount of Olives

• Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock

• Garden of Gethsemane visit

• Christian cemetery

• Walk along the Via Dolorosa

• The Garden Tomb (Jerusalem) visit

Day 9

Jerusalem

• The Israel Museum, Jerusalem visit

• Yad Vashem visit

Day 10

End tour

• Travel to Tel Aviv

Israel: Journey of Judaism

12 DAYS • 10 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

Day 2

Welcome to Israel

• Arrive in Israel

• Meet your Tour Director

• Dinner at the hotel

• Time permitting: Walking tour

• Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 3

Tel Aviv history

• Independence Hall

• Khan Sha’ar HaGai

• Latrun and Bullet Factory

• Dinner at local restaurant

Day 4

Tel Aviv—Jaffa

• ANU Museum

• Rabin Square

• Old Port and Market of Jaffa

Day 5

Caesarea—Haifa

• Visit Caesarea

• Atlit Detention Camp

• Haifa’s Mount Carmel

• Acre, the Ancient Harbor, and Marketplace

• Drive north to Kibbutz Lavi

• Sabbath dinner

Day 6 Sabbath

• Day of prayer and leisure

Day 7 Safed

• Jeep Tour to Golan Heights

• Tel Facher: Banias Springs OR Ancient remains of Herod’s Temple in front of the Caves

• Tel Chai

• Dinner

Day 8

Tiberias—Jersualem

• Visit to Biobee

• Gan Hashlosha National Park

• Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 9

Jerusalem’s Old City

• Jerusalem Old City: Tomb of King David on Mount Zion

• Jewish Quarter

• Four Sephardic Synagogues

• Davidson Center Archaeological Park

• Model of the Temple (Temple Institute)

• Western Wall Tunnels Tour

• Dinner

• Tower of David

Day 10

Jersualem

• Yad Vashem

• Mount Herzl National Cemetery

• Israel Museum: Ammunition Hill OR Tour the Machne Yehuda market in Jerusalem

Day 11 Dead Sea

• Qumran and Masada

• Swim in the Dead Sea

• Return to Jerusalem

• Farewell celebration and reflection

Day 12

End tour

Traveling with WorldStrides

150% improved our knowledge about our faith and gave us peace of mind because they will go the extra mile for the group.

—ZENIADA B., PROGRAM LEADER

Israel: Religious Coexistence in the Holy Land

10 DAYS • 8 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

Day 2

Shalom Tel Aviv

• Meet your Tour Director

• Tel Aviv brief

Day 3

Three World Religions

• Ben-Gurion House

• Coffee and conversation with locals

• Jaffa tour

• Visit with a local non-profit: the Orchard of Abraham’s children

• Meet with the Imam at Mahmoudiya Mosque

• Explore and shop at Carmel Market

Day 4

Caesarea—Haifa—Acre—

Sea of Galilee

• Continue your journey from Tel Aviv to the Sea of Galilee

• Caesarea and the Roman Theater

• Haifa

• Beit Ha’Gefen

• Baha’i Hanging Gardens

• Acre

• Crusaders Halls

• Al Jazar Mosque

Day 5

The Sermon on the Mount and Modern Geopolitics

• Capernaum

• Mount of Beatitudes

• Golan Heights and Mt. Bental

• Tel Hermonit

• Tel Dan

• Birdwatching at Agamon Hula

Day 6

Natural Israel and Bedouin Life

• Continue through the Jordan Valley to Nazareth

• Visit Nazareth Village

• Basilica of the Annunciation

• Bio Bee Biological Systems

• Oasis of Ein Gedi

• Kfar Hanokdim campfire

• Overnight in Kfar Hanokdim Bedouin compound

Day 7

The Dead Sea—Jerusalem

• Sunrise on the Mountain of Edom

• Masada

• Float in the Dead Sea

• Continue your journey from the Dead Sea to Jerusalem

• Volunteer at Leket Israel, the national food bank

• Jerusalem brief

Day 8

Coexistence

• Visit The Max Rayne Hand-in-Hand Jerusalem School

• Israel Museum

• Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

• Bethlehem

• Basilica and Grotto of the Nativity

• Meet with a Jewish Orthodox family or participate in a challah baking class

Day 9

The City of David

• Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock

• The Mount of Olives (Mount Olivet)

• Gethsemane

• Old City of Jerusalem and the Lions Gate

• Via Dolorosa (Stations of the Cross) and Church of the Holy Sepulcher

• Elia Photography Shop

• Western Wall

• Davidson Center and Archaeological Park

Day 10 End tour

• Travel to Tel Aviv

Morocco: Religious Influences of the Middle East

8 DAYS • 6 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

Day 2

Arrive in Morocco

• Meet your Tour Director

• Marrakech

• Djemaa el Fna

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 3

Berber Culture

• Majorelle Garden

• Musée Berbère

• YSL Museum

• Dinner and a show at “the Restaurant of One Thousand and One Nights”

Day 4

Cultural Exchange

• Cultural exchange with local students

• Bahia Palace

• Saadian Tombs

• Koutoubia Mosque

• Free time to explore Djemaa el Fna

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 5

Journey to Essaouira

• Visit Essaouira

• Argan oil cooperative

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 6

Explore Essaouira

• North African Jewish heritage

• Tomb of Rabbi Chaim Pinto

• Camel ride

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 7

Casablanca

• Hassan II Mosque

• The Medina

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 8 End tour

China: Exploring Eastern Spiritual Traditions

10 DAYS • 8 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

Day 2

Arrive in Beijing

• Meet your Tour Director

• Beijing brief

• Beijing Olympics

• Group dinner

• Overview of Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, and Taoism

Day 3

Buddhism

• The Lama Temple

• Tiananmen Square

• Renmin Yingxiong Jinian Bei (Monument to the People’s Heroes)

• Jingshan Park

• Group dinner

Day 4

Taoism and Islam

• Dong Yue Miao

• Niujie Mosque

• Group dinner

Day 5

Confucianism

• Temple of Confucius

• Beijing Hutong tour

• Group dinner

• Live martial arts demonstration or acrobatic show

Day 6

Journey to Xi’an

• Travel from Beijing to Xi’an via China’s famous Bullet Train

• Explore Xi’an

• Xi’an City Wall

• Group dinner

• Traditional music and dance show

Day 7

Buddhism and Taoism

• Wild Goose Pagoda

• Ba Xi’an An (Temple of the Eight Immortals)

• Group dinner

Day 8

Islam and Confucianism

• Great Mosque

• Muslim Quarter

• Beilin Museum

• Group dinner

Day 9

Return to Beijing

• Take a flight from Xi’an to Beijing

• Wangfujing Street

• Farewell dinner

Day 10 End tour

India: Great Faiths and Global Cultures

10 DAYS • 8 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

Day 2

Arrive in India

• Meet your Tour Director

• New Delhi

• Qutub Minar

• City tour: Drive past Gandhi Salt March, India Gate, and Sansad Bhavan (the Parliament House)

Day 3

A Day in Old Delhi

• Jama Mosque

• Rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi

• Rajghat crematorium

• Sikh Temple

• Humayun’s Tomb

Day 4

Journey from Delhi to Jaipur

• Travel to Jaipur

• Free time

• Dance and puppet show

Day 5

Amber Fort and Jaipur

• Tour Amber Fort

• Shila Mata (or Kali) Temple

• Water and Wind Palaces photo stop

• City palace and observatory

• Shopping

• Indian cooking class and dinner

Day 6

Journey from Jaipur to Bharatpur

• Explore Bharatpur

• Bird sanctuary with a local guide

Day 7

Journey to Agra via Fatehpur

• Travel from the Bharatpur area to the Agra area

• Fatehpur Sikri

• Agra

• Itmad-Ud-Daulah

Day 8

The Taj Mahal

• Taj Mahal

• Agra Fort

• Yoga

Day 9

Return to Delhi

• Travel from the Agra area to the Delhi area

• Bollywood dance show at the Kingdom of Dreams or visit Swaminarayan Akshardham and the Lotus Temple (subject to time and availability)

Day 10 End tour

Japan: Religious Studies and Spiritual Traditions

10 DAYS • 8 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

Day 2

Arrive in Tokyo

• Meet your Tour Director

• Tokyo brief

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 3

Intro to Tokyo

• Orientation session

• Edo Tokyo Museum

• Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, and Nakamise

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 4

Tea, Anime, and Robotics

• Rikugien and tea

• Akihabara culture tour

• Robotics show

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 5

Japanese Cuisine

• Meiji Shrine

• World-famous Shibuya Scramble

• Japanese cooking class

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 6

Tokyo—Kyoto

• Travel to Kyoto

• Kiyomizu Temple

• Higashiyama

• Japanese Geishas in Gion

• Continue to Pontocho

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 7

Monks and Meditation

• The Japanese Art of Zen

• Tenryuji Temple

• Lecture on Zen Buddhism

• Zen meditation session

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 8

Excursion to Nara

• Todaiji Temple

• Nara Park and Sika Deer

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 9

Nijo Castle and Manga

• Fushimi Inari Taisha

• Nijo Castle

• International Manga Museum

• Dinner in a local restaurant

Day 10 End tour

Thailand

10 DAYS • 8 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

Day 2

Sawat dii Bangkok

• Meet your Tour Director and check into the hotel

• Health and safety program orientation

Day 3

Bangkok

• Bangkok guided sightseeing tour

• Wat Traimit, Grand Palace visit, Temple of Dawn, Emerald Buddha

• Duriyapraneet House visit and music lesson

Day 4

Ayutthaya excursion

• Ayutthaya Old City walking tour, Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace visit

• Service-learning activities

• Cooking class and dinner

Day 5

Bangkok

• Damnoen Saduak floating market visit

• Phra Pathom Chedi visit

• Patom Organic Village visit

Day 6

Bangkok—Chiang Mai

• Fly to Chiang Mai

• Service-learning activities continue

• Elephant Nature Park visit

Day 7

Chiang Mai

• Elephant Nature Park full-day excursion

Day 8

Chiang Mai

• Thai Freedom Houses visit

• Khan Toke dinner and traditional dance show

Day 9

Chiang Mai—Bangkok

• Fly to Bangkok

• Dinner and classical dance show

Day 10 End tour

Peru

10 DAYS • 9 NIGHTS

Day 1

Start tour

• Meet your Tour Director and check into the hotel in Lima

• Health and safety program orientation

• Overnight in a hotel

Day 2 Lima

• Lima guided sightseeing tour

• Government Palace, City Hall, Cathedral of Lima, Miraflores, San Isidro, San Francisco Convent visit

• Museo Larco visit

• Peruvian cooking class and dinner

• Overnight in a hotel

Day 3

Lima—Aguas Calientes

• Fly to Cuzco

• Train ride to Agua Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo)

• Overnight in a hotel

Day 4

Aguas Calientes— Ollantaytambo

• Travel to Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu guided excursion

• Travel to Ollantaytambo

• Dinner on your own

• Overnight in a hotel

Day 5

Ollantaytambo—Cuzco

• Awana Kancha visit

• Travel to Cuzco

• Cuzco city walk

• Cusco Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, Korikancha Temple, The Convent of Santo Domingo

• Begin homestay

• Overnight at your homestay

Day 6 Cuzco

• Begin service-learning project

• Overnight at your homestay

Day 7 Cuzco

• Service-learning project continues

• Inca Museum visit

• Overnight at your homestay

Day 8

Cuzco

• Service-learning project continues

• Cooking class and dinner

• Overnight at your homestay

Day 9

Cuzco

• Lunch

• Peruvian Folk-dance lessons

• Dinner

• Overnight at your homestay

Day 10

Cuzco

• Homestay farewell

• Fly to Lima

• Lunch

• Fly home

Day 11 End tour

Dominican Republic

8 DAYS • 7 NIGHTS

Day 1

Hola Santo Domingo

(groups flying from the West Coast may be required to depart Day 0)

• Meet your Tour Director and travel to Santiago

• Health and safety program orientation

• Welcome dinner

Day 2

Santiago

• Santiago city walk

• El Monumento Santiago, Fort San Luis, Centro Leon Museum visit, Parque Duarte, Cathedral of St. James the Apostle

Day 3

Santiago

• Begin service-learning project

• Dance lesson

• Cultural exchange with the local community

Day 4

Santiago

• Service-learning project continues

• Dajabón excursion

• Haitian-Dominican heritage discussion

Day 5

Santiago

• Service-learning project continues

• Cooking class

Day 6

Santiago

• Last day of service-learning project

• Cultural Center Leon visit

• Farewell dinner

Day 7

Puerto Plata

• Pico Isabel de Torres cable car, Christ the Redeemer Statue, Central Park, City Hall, Palace of Justice, Fortaleza San Felipe visit

Day 8 End tour

• Travel to Santo Domingo

• Fly home

The global partner for your lifetime learning journey

WorldStrides’ expertise spans the globe, and our programs do, too. We provide a variety of educational travel experiences, from teacher-led groups to programs for individuals on university campuses, each aligning with our core mission of helping travelers experience the world—and themselves—in new ways. Learn more about our programs at worldstrides.com.

Educational Travel

Immersive domestic and international destination experiences to help your students discover the world beyond their classroom, both near and far.

Study Abroad

In-depth student experiences in the most popular, relevant global destinations, and on-campus at some of the finest universities in the world.

Language Immersion

Intensive foreign language experiences powered by homestays with local families, plus complete immersion in local cultures and ways of life.

Career Exploration

Skill development and hands-on career exploration experiences to further students’ passions and give them a feel for future career opportunities.

Service-Learning

Hands-on student investment and contribution to emerging communities around the globe, with a focus on reciprocity and continuity.

Performing Arts

Professional mentoring, adjudication, and competition-focused performance on real-world stages in destinations both domestic and international.

Sports

Team-oriented sports matches and friendly play that expose students to internationalcaliber competition and fresh touring experiences around the world.

How we raise the bar

LEAP WorldStrides’ approach to travel is more than just seeing amazing destinations, but also interacting with the people, culture, and places on tour. We call this interactive focus LEAP, and it’s based on Howard Gardener’s theory of multiple intelligences, the philosophy of constructivism, and the synthesis of the transmission, transaction, and transformational approaches to learning.

Full Time LEAP-Trained Tour Director Your bilingual (or multi-lingual) Tour Director will be with you 24/7, keeping logistics running smoothly and providing invaluable cultural and historical insights. Tour Directors are LEAP-trained, which includes cultivating an understanding of how all people learn.

Total Customization Add activities, upgrade meals and hotels, change your pro-rate, and more at the click of a button. From your itinerary to your free spot ratio, you’re in control.

Include Pre-Paid Tips Only with WorldStrides can you opt to include tips in your total price, so you can avoid the hassle of collecting and handling large sums of cash.

Free Academic Credit Three free college prep credits are included for all WorldStrides high school travelers who complete the coursework; middle school travelers can earn free high school credit.

Financial Assistance WorldStrides awards over $2 million each year in financial support to make travel accessible to all. Qualifying students can receive up to $600 off their trip price.

Recruitment Support WorldStrides provides you with printed and digital promotional materials and rewards you with up to $350 simply for following our proven Recipe for Success.

Professional Development Points Program Leaders receive up to 35 points/hours or 3.5 CEUs for leading an international tour with WorldStrides.

Peace of Mind Travel at ease with 24-hour emergency assistance, liability coverage, and worldwide offices. Plus, our WorldClass Flexibility offers Program Leaders the ability to change tour dates or destinations up to 60 days prior to departure.

Program Leader Rewards Enjoy the best rewards in educational travel with cash bonuses, scholarships, and free international conventions (you even have the opportunity to bring a guest).

Centrally Located, Three- to Four-Star Hotels Save time commuting and maximize your hours of daily exploring with a hotel in the heart of the action. Enjoy a good night’s rest in comfort with quality accommodations after a full day.

Daily Breakfasts and Three-Course Dinners Plentiful breakfasts to start the day energized, and appetizing, culturally representative dinners to get you familiar with the local cuisine.

Fast Transportation Fly directly into the closest major airport (like Venice instead of Milan) and take the fastest mode of transit whenever possible (including TGV, Ave, and Eurostar) to avoid time wasted on long bus rides.

Basic Medical Coverage Every WorldStrides traveler is provided coverage for accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance and medical evacuation and repatriation while on tour.

Satisfaction Guarantee 99% of WorldStrides traveling teachers rate our tours Good to Excellent. If you are not satisfied, we will make it right, providing appropriate compensation.

Get started by calling your travel specialist at: 800-771-2323

Find more tours, videos, and reviews at: worldstrides.com

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Performing Arts

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